<p>Bacterial infections have been recognized as a critical challenge to public health, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and enormous costs. Antibacterial agents have been widely used in people’s daily life to deactivate or decrease the concentration of bacteria. Recent advances in additive manufacturing and nanoparticle reinforced composites have led to the development of nanocomposites as novel antibacterial agents. In this paper, a digital light processing (DLP) based 3D printing system is employed for the rapid manufacturing of photocurable thermoset polymers and nanocomposites for potential antibacterial applications. Due to the physical processes of 3D printing with photocurable thermosets, there are very few composites on the market compared to traditional FDM manufacturing. This work shows how the addition of nanoparticles that present antibacterial properties can be added to traditional DLP manufacturing along with their effects on the physical properties. Compared to traditional stereolithography process, the DLP based additive process allows for highly improved 3D printing speed while maintaining the proper tolerances and properties. No major modifications are required to enable the machine to print with the proposed nanocomposites. Additionally, this research shows how to manufacture antibacterial composites with advanced geometry made capable through additive manufacturing. This will also allow for a completely new approach to surface component design in public high traffic areas such as bathrooms, hospitals, and the food industry.</p><p>In this paper, titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the 10 to 30-nanometer range and zinc oxide nanoparticles in the 30-nanometer range are mixed with market-available photocurable resins for rapid 3D printing and prototyping. The two resins used are a standard photopolymer rapid resin and an ABS-like photopolymer rapid resin. Tensile testing data, toxicity data, contact angle data, and abrasion data are performed on a total of four different composites and two controls. These composites have shown a tensile strength of 29.53 megapascals which is equivalent to or higher than the strength associated with high-density polyethylene. At the 1% nanoparticle weight concentration, the 3D printing nanocomposites are transparent and are able to show a complete penetration of particles throughout the entire print. This process will allow for the optimization and low-cost fabrication of novel antibacterial composites that can be utilized across multiple industries. Detailed experimental characterization will be conducted to fully understand the 3D printed materials mechanical properties and microstructures. The 3D printed nanocomposites will be investigated to understand their toxicity and potential antibacterial properties. This research has the potential to enhance public health by providing a novel approach to control spread of bacteria and other microbials.</p>

Investigation of 3d Printed Antibacterial Nanocomposites for Improved Public Health

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/IMECE2021/volume/85543

ASME 2021 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE2021)

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